 |
| Isambard Kingdom Brunel |
The famous photograph of Isambard Kingdom Brunel standing in front of a roll of huge chain from the S S Great Britain (the first iron ship) is well-known. The history of how the navy came to use chain is less well-known. The idea to use chain instead of ropes on ships was an historic move. Many believed it would not prove strong enough. However, the smell and bacteria emanating from hemp ropes, especially in hot climates, apart from being unpleasant, often made sailors ill. An alternative was required.
Pontypridd was the home of Brown Lenox & Co., an extremely successful chain manufacturer.
 |
| Image of chain on display at Pontypridd Museum.
Brown Lenox & Co. chain manufacturers
(Details taken from the link below.)
Samuel Brown (1774-1852), formerly of the Royal Navy, patented a stud-link wrought iron chain, suitable as ships' anchor cables, and began manufacturing in 1803. In 1808 he formed a partnership with his cousin Samuel Lenox and they traded as Samuel Brown & Co Ltd until 1823. The firm's anchor cables were adopted by the Royal Navy in 1810. In 1812, the partners selected a site for their London works at Millwall (Middlesex), close to the Royal Dockyard at Deptford. In 1818, an additional site was acquired at Ynysangharad, Pontypridd (Glamorgan), because of its proximity to supplies of iron and coal. The Newbridge Chain Works, as it became known, grew rapidly in size and reputation, and from the mid nineteenth century was sole contractor to the Royal Navy for the supply of anchor chains. From 1818, the firm manufactured cables suitable for construction of suspension bridges. The prestige of this contract brought orders from merchant shipping companies, passenger lines, and leading engineers such as Thomas Telford and Brunel. The factory closed in 2000.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment